We’re so thrilled to have officially kicked off the wedding season a few weeks ago at the always stunning Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Jenna, Joe and their families gathered in Tabernash to celebrate their wedding. We kicked off the weekend with a fiesta welcome party – it was Cinco de Mayo after all! Guests noshed on a fajita bar and drank margaritas. It was truly the perfect start to the weekend.
When guests woke up on Saturday morning in a slight panic – an unforecasted blanket of spring snow! As the day wore on and the sun came out – Jenna and Joe were truly blessed with the most beautiful spring weather. Sticking to a classic Colorado color palette, we incorporated whites and greens with subtle nods of black to give a little bit of an edge to the barn while still keeping in light and whimsical with stunning florals and ceiling greenery from the talented ladies at Plum Sage.
After guests dined on local Wagyu short rib and Colorado trout – they took to the dance floor for an epic night of dancing! We surprised guests with a surprise + delight moment – an electric violinist DJ fusion for a few fun minutes on the dance floor. After this crowd was danced out – they headed to the after-party where the fun continued with a custom shot-ski and late night burgers and fries!
It was the perfect way to officially kick off our summer season and we can’t wait to be back at The Ranch for more celebrations this year!
Vendor Credits
Wedding Planner | Calluna Events
Venue + Catering | Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Photography | Cassie Rosch Photography
Ceremony Musicians | Oncue Entertainment
Floral Designer | Plum Sage Flowers
Tabletop Rentals | Colorado Party Rentals
Specialty Linens | Nuage Designs Inc.
Invitations + Day-Of Printed Materials | Minted Weddings
Wedding DJ | The Get Down Co
Hair | Hayley Styles
Make-Up | Mooi Studio
Bridal Gown | House of Savin from Little White Dress Bridal Shop
Grooms Suit | Peter Millar
Bridesmaid Dresses | BHLDN
Evelyn + Josh’s summer soiree wedding is sure to make any hopeless romantic swoon. With design notes inspired by delicate, refined and feminine accents, the Denver Botanic Gardens was the only choice for a celebration of 80 guests on a sunny day in June.
We embraced each corner of the grounds to create “roaming” garden party vibes, finding beauty and purpose in our surroundings and a space that was so important to the nearly newlyweds. With a glass of sparkling in hand, stylish guests pursued the property before settling in to watch E + J share their forever vows in the iconic Romantic Gardens, flanked by lush foliage accented by blooming arrangements. Using the garden and it’s seasonal blooms as our compass, primary petal design by Figment Floral was strategically bloom forward yet intentional, playing with the negative space in a way that has come so naturally into trend this year.
Once the party meandered over to the Orangery greenhouse for cocktails and dinner, the theme continued through playful combinations of uniquely cut china glassware and swoon-worthy floral linens – nodding to classic touches without dipping into trite or tradition. The result? A fresh, curated and memorable celebration for two very special people lifted in love and warmth of their closest friends. The festivities finished in the third and final stop of the evening with the beats of The Get Down Co in Marnie’s Pavilion, lending to the distinctive path of this urban garden wedding.
Vendor Credits
Featured on Rocky Mountain Bride
Wedding Planner | Calluna Events
Venue | Denver Botanic Gardens
Catering | Occasions Catering
Photographer | Hannah Quintana
Videographer | Majestic Films
DJ | The Get Down Co
Rentals | Colorado Party Rentals
Lighting + Photo Booth | My Elite DJ
Desserts | Born 2 Bake Bakery
Florals | Figment Floral
Beverages | Argonaut Wine & Liquor
Beauty | Ember Salon Boulder
Transportation | Jays Valet
Gown | Anne Barge from Little White Dress
Tux | Ted Baker
Getting Ready Venue | Hotel Clio
Happy Sunday Everyone! We’re so excited as we’re celebrating our wonderful Pia + Trevor’s anniversary today and doubling that joy with another Cocktails with Calluna, spotlighting the ever so lovely Ori with O.Ski Films who captured Pia + Trevor’s wedding in Tuscany, Italy! Ori is a true talent and a ray of sunshine in our industry. Her artistry and creativity shines through everything she does! Be sure to read on as Ori shares so many great insights and inspirations with us today.
Describe what you do!
I am a wedding filmmaker and have been in this industry for the last 6 years! I actually came into this career by chance. I studied abroad in 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa and brought along my handy dandy Go-Pro. Lucky for my Facebook friends, I posted every single clip I took during my time there, even the super exciting hour-long hikes (eye-roll, lol). The videos weren’t viewed by too many people other than my parents and grandma, but they were also viewed by my first client ever. Their view was the most important one I have ever gotten because they asked me to film their wedding day. The first thing I did was Google “What do I need to film a wedding” and I rented everything this blog recommended (lol). And thanks to my shaky adventure videos on Facebook and a trusting family friend I got to film my very first wedding a month later.
I am forever grateful for this opportunity as it constantly reminds me that as a wedding filmmaker, it all comes down to telling a story. It doesn’t matter that as a filmmaker I know all the technical answers or have the fanciest equipment. Rather, I am there to capture the moments and how they feel to everyone involved. Even though I have graduated from my Go-Pro to some slightly fancier equipment, I will always remind myself that the story is more important than what you have to tell it with.
What is your favorite part of any wedding?
Even though this may seem odd, my favorite part of a wedding day is when my clients sit down for dinner. It sounds like food has something to do with this which ALSO may be true (lol)… But the real reason is getting the chance to capture the first time of the day that my clients are truly able to embrace the moment and take everything in. After months and sometimes years of planning their day, it’s finally time for them to share some champagne, genuine laughs, and meaningful conversations across the table with the ones they love the most. Watching these moments unfold through my lens are some of the most special.
What does your morning routine look like?
I usually sleep in as much as I can (not a morning person). I then make my 3 shot iced latte with almond milk (not a coffee snob I promise), followed by a smoothie. Get started on some work and then go for a late morning walk to get some sunshine and fresh air. Mornings are my time to reflect, relax and get ready for my day. I have never thought the phrase “the early bird catches the worm” to be true because some of my best work and most inspiring thoughts come late at night. And I can assure you I will NOT make that 7am Soul Cycle class I so ambitiously signed up for the night before. 😉
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
I could not be a bigger fan of how many weddings I see using brighter colors for their wedding day. This adds a fun element to pictures and videos while allowing us to have some creative freedom with a unique backdrop. I hope this trend is here to stay because I love it! More color please!
What advice would you give to a younger you?
That not every client is YOUR client. I would tell my younger self that you don’t have to say yes to every job that comes your way. As an artist it’s super important to feel connected to your client and inspired by their day. Instead of focusing on the number of weddings booked I would remind myself to focus on what kind of audience I am attracting as a filmmaker. If you are filming work you are passionate about, your ideal clients will always find their way to you.
What do you like to do when you’re away from work?
When I am away from work I love to travel (without camera bags of course, those are heavy!). I love spending time with my partner, family and friends. I am a newly obsessed fan of pickleball (who isn’t these days?!) so you might find me on the court getting far too competitive. I love to go to a cute coffee shop on weekends followed by a day of thrifting. I am a sucker for an action-thriller movie that gives my heart rate a jump. And lastly, I am a BIG foody – I would spend (and do spend) all my money on nice dinners with some yummy drinks to accompany.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Cliche but a good margarita (not too sweet) rimmed with Tajín of course.
Weddings with Calluna!
We are thrilled to announce our very own lead planner Lindsay + Ken’s wedding is on the front page of Style Me Pretty today! We thought it would be fun for you all to hear about her pretty day directly from her! Without further ado, here’s Lindsay with all the details about her gorgeous wedding in Aspen, Colorado!
I am so thrilled to share my behind the scenes into the most magical weekend! Our relationship started under the 6th train subway tracks in The Bronx, New York with a fireball shot, a bag of lollipops and New York Yankees victory. In May of 2018, my best friend and I went to a Yankees game, her last before she moved back to Colorado to go to law school. After the game, she convinced me to go to Stan’s, the local pre and post-game bar for “just one drink…” and there was Ken, with his brother, his friend and a giant bag of Dum-Dum suckers.” After asking to share a table, we struck up a conversation, exchanged numbers, a couple Dum-Dum’s and a kiss.
Two years later, we moved from New York City to my home state of Colorado, where I started as a lead planner here at Calluna Events! When the pandemic hit, we didn’t get to do as much exploring as we wanted to in the first 6 months of living there but the first “mountain-town” we visited together was Aspen, Colorado and we both fell in love with its charm, culinary scene and views. When we surprised my mom with a trip to Napa for her birthday, Ken decided to take advantage of our time together in Napa and propose. I planned a family photoshoot, which is a family tradition when we travel, we treat it as our sort of souvenir. Ken took advantage of the pre-planned “family photoshoot”and to my complete shock, got down on one knee in the most beautiful vineyard and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. It was the most perfect morning.
When planning our wedding, we knew there was only one place in Colorado we wanted to say “I do” and that was to head back to Aspen for a black-tie, ranch wedding surrounded by picturesque Aspen trees and views of the Maroon Bells. Since I plan weddings professionally, I immediately knew I wanted a celebration at a venue where I had never planned a wedding at before. While on a site visit (for another couple) before I was engaged, I fell in love with T-Lazy-7 Ranch. Its stunning views and the ability to create the entire environment from the ground up made it the perfect venue to create our dream wedding.
Planning your own wedding in the midst of one of the busiest wedding seasons of my career was definitely not a task for the faint of heart. But to get to share my passion for design and give our friends and family from all over the country a glimpse into what I get to create for other families, was really special. I was so thrilled how everything turned out. It truly was our dream wedding.
Our weekend kicked off with a welcome party at Silver City Aspen in downtown Aspen complete with BBQ, signature old fashioned cocktails, wild west inspired florals and line dancing to Shania Twain on the jukebox before the Black-Tie celebration in the meadows of the Ranch. We really wanted a fun, casual, welcome party with great food, great drinks and great music. To see all our friends and family in our favorite place was really the best way to kick off the weekend.
For the wedding day, I designed the color palette to be completely neutral tones so that the venue and nature surrounding us could really shine! Because of my job, I had a pretty good idea of all the vendors that I wanted to help bring our vision to life. I started by getting my dream Carolina Herrera gown at Little White Dress. Being a planner, I had never been the one to try on wedding dresses. I had no idea what I wanted or what I would look good in but the second I put on my gown, I knew it was the one!
The ceremony decor was simple but dramatic as I wanted to keep the focus on the stunning backdrop so we opted for an aisle full of flowers, designed by the talented ladies at Wandering Poppy Co. and two simple acrylic pedestals at the altar that complimented the ghost chairs. We wanted to focus on the two of us, and the view so we opted to have our bridal party sit in the first row with our family.
For the ceremony, which was officiated by my brother, we incorporated lots of references to our love of food and travel and of course baseball. I surprised Ken with a custom calligraphy designed “home plate” for us to stand over at the altar. One of my favorite quotes is, “In baseball, as in life, all important things happen at home” and as a nod to where we met, our shared love of baseball and the importance of creating a home and life together, it was one of my favorite details of the day.”
After we walked up the aisle to New York, New York by Frank Sinatra, another nod to Yankees baseball, played live by the brass section of Taylor Pace Orchestra, guests headed to cocktail hour. Another really important feature for the us was the food. We really wanted to have an abundant cocktail hour featuring some of our favorite foods and things that our guests hadn’t seen at a wedding before. One of my favorite elements was the roving burrata bar I conceptualized with Catering by Design, where our guests could create the own burrata dish featuring toppings like tomatoes, pesto, balsamic glaze, chilled asparagus and prosciutto. It was such a fun interactive element and everyone loved it! We also incorporated a late night New York Cheesecake bar and New Haven “Apizza” station, a nod to the our east coast roots.
Another favorite detail was the guest books where guests signed their “autograph” onto a baseball and threw it into a custom designed baseball bucket for the couple to read and display in their house.
Guests also found their way to their seats from custom painted dice, a nod to a family game that’s been in Ken’s family for decades. The only DIY element I wanted at my wedding were these custom dice. When Ken and I first met, he taught me how to play his family game, simply called “dice” and so we sanded, primed and painted dice to for guests to find their seats and paired it with a sign that said “Roll Call”, it was one of my favorite details of the day.
Underneath the sailcloth tent, we wanted to create simple, modern elegance. The floral chandelier above the dance floor was one of my favorite elements. It was so unique and something I hadn’t ever seen before. It was paired with simple dinnerware, textured linens from Nuage Designs Inc. and custom menus by Scarlet Gilia Creative.
Music has always been really important and nothing beats an incredible band. We hired Taylor Pace of the Jordan Kahn Music Company who kept the dance floor packed the entire night. Our friends couldn’t stop talking about the band. They are truly one of the best entertainment bands you could have, and it was so important to keep our dance floor packed all night! I couldn’t have imagined our night without them!
To all the incredible vendors who were a part of our special day, thank you will never be enough. You are all truly the most talented people and it was such an honor to work!
Vendor Credits
As seen on Style Me Pretty
Wedding Planner | Lindsay Hayden of Calluna Events
Venue | T-Lazy-7 Ranch
Photography | Vanessa Tierney
Videography | Reagan Lynn Films
Catering | Catering by Design
Tenting | Sperry Tents Colorado
Ceremony Musicians | Silver City Strings
Floral Designer | Wandering Poppy Co.
Rentals | Colorado Party Rentals
Specialty Rentals | Hazel Grove Rentals
Specialty Linens | Nuage Designs Inc.
Invitations + Paper Goods | Scarlet Gilia Creative
Wedding Band | Jordan Kahn Music Company
Hair | Gianna at Honeycomb Salon
Make Up | Mooi Studio
Cake | Milk Bar
Photo Booth | Bamboo Booth
Cake Table + Guest Book Install | LL Enterprises LLC
Transportation | CTS Transportation
Bridal Gown | Carolina Herrera from Little White Dress
Bridesmaids Dresses | BHLDN
Tuxedos | The Black Tux
Welcome Party
Venue | Silver City Aspen
Photography | Vanessa Tierney
Make Up | Mooi Studio
Hair | Ana Belen Aspen Mobile Hair
Catering | Home Team BBQ Aspen
Florals | Aesthete Floral Atelier
We’re so excited Holly + Matt’s two-part wedding is featured on BRIDES!
Holly + Matt hosted an intimate western Colorado ceremony and celebration at Dunton Hot Springs with twenty of their nearest and dearest family members in attendance and exactly one month later, the newlyweds hosted a larger reception at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards! While having focused on a western chic aesthetic for their Colorado nuptials, we designed their reception with a sophisticated boho theme featuring playful patterns and colorful touches with hints of the tropics woven throughout.
We worked with our incredible vendor team to transform the reception space into an organic oasis with hanging greenery, rattan lanterns, wooden chairs, and neutral tablecloths. Bright floral centerpieces were juxtaposed with a black-and-white geometric runner and black napkins, which created visual intrigue. Gold flatware and napkin rings added a hint of glimmer to the tablescape. We’re springing for joy as we share more about their reception at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards with you!
Vendor Credits
As seen on BRIDES
Wedding Planner | Calluna Events
Photography | Kai Villanueva
Venue | Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Florals | Hedge Fine Blooms
Entertainment | Steel Toe Stiletto
Catering | Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Rentals + Decor | Emerson James + Paisley & Jade
Champagne Cart | Get Cozy Bars
Transportation | Ambassador Limousine
Gown | Rue de Seine
Bridal Shop | a&bé Bridal Shop
Jewelry | TAP by Todd Pownall
Heels | Loeffler Randall
Hair | Brianna B Adams
Makeup | Rouge 9 Makeup
Tuxedo | Bespoke Edge
Engagement Ring | Xiao Wang
Wedding Bands | Metalmark Fine Jewelry
Accommodations | Quirk Charlottesville
Oh happy day! Today on our Cocktails with Calluna series, we are featuring one of our most beloved photographers, Ashley Sawtelle! From Saratoga, Wyoming to St. Louis, Missouri and everywhere in between, Ashley captures weddings and events so beautifully! Get to know more of what Ashley is all about below!
Describe what you do!
I collect moments and document how a wedding weekend felt and looked like for my clients. The photographs I create consider the people, the locale, and the stunning details each couple has chosen for their celebration.
What is your idea of a dream project?
Working with couples that want to create a wedding celebration that has meaning to them in a destination that they feel connected to. A one-of-a-kind celebration where the couple can truly be themselves, be present, and lean into the joy with one another. This is a space where I can create the best photographs for my clients.
What is your favorite part of any wedding?
Anytime the couple can experience the day as it unfolds. I love how each part of a wedding day has its own magic – maybe it’s the stillness of stepping back with your partner and enjoying sunset or the anticipatory energy of getting ready. And I always love the celebratory energy on the dance floor!
What does your morning routine look like?
It starts off early with a matcha, packing lunches, and sharing breakfast with the family. Next is a pilates class or a nature walk, which puts me in a great place to dive into work.
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
I love how couples are embracing a celebration that is based on what they want, not what trends or others are saying to do. It’s also great seeing this grand millennial approach to design. Have fun! Be playful! Dance all night and wear 3 outfits if you want to. The day is yours.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
You’re doing great!
What do you like to do when you’re away from work?
I am a wanderlust at heart. I love to learn about different cultures by just walking around and taking it all in (usually with a film camera in hand). It’s also a dream to be able to take these trips and introduce our children to this big, beautiful world. I love seeing it through their eyes.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
The Coco Citron is a zero alcohol cocktail served at Lohi’s Noisette. It’s so delicious and I love sharing a conversation with a friend in their dreamy setting.
Thank you so much for contributing to our Cocktails with Calluna series! Here are some of our favorite memories at our colorful english garden party wedding in St. Louis, all captured by Ashley Sawtelle and featured in Over the Moon!
Vendor Credits
As seen on Over the Moon
Wedding Planner | Calluna Events
Venue | Westwood Country Club
Photographer | Ashley Sawtelle
Floral Design | Flora by Nora
Cake Design | Sarah’s Cake Shop
Invitations, Escort Display, + Day of Paper | Knapp Design Co
Rentals | Styled and Staged STL + Aries Company
Escort Card Board | Knapp Design Co + Exclusive Events Inc.
Production, Lighting + Musicians | Contemporary Productions
Band | Fat Pocket Band
Tenting | Traube Tent
Bride’s Beauty | Savanah Summer Beauty
Bridesmaids’ Beauty | Fleur Bridal Styling
Linens | Nuage Designs
Transportation | Best Transportation
Send Off Rolls Royce | Champagne Limousines
Gown | BW Designs Inc
We’re so excited to welcome Gabby Gray to the Calluna Events team as our newest Lead Planner!
Gabby Gray is a South Georgia native who fell in love with weddings and design while planning her own wedding and designing remodeled homes. She took this passion and started working for a restaurant group in Atlanta, Georgia. During her time here, she planned upscale events ranging from corporate happy hours to weddings on rooftops, overlooking the city. Eventually, the Rocky Mountains called her name and after 20 years in the south, she made her way to Colorado in January of 2022. She has most recently planned weddings and events at a 4-star property in Boulder, where she continued to foster her creativity and passion for weddings. Gabby is excited to bring her passion for love and Southern charm to the Calluna Events team!
Here’s more about Gabby!
Okay – now for some good ole’ fashioned rapid fire:
It was a quintessential Fall day in the mountains for Marie + Peyton’s Vail wedding celebration this past September. The weather was perfect, the leaves were yellow, and 200 guests were treated to an epic evening under the twinkle lights at The Arrabelle at Vail Square.
Marie + Peyton came to us with a vision of a classic Colorado soirée for their out-of-state families and friends to enjoy, with timeless details and pops of trend throughout. They opted for classic Fall colors of navy blue and deep burgundy and entrusted Figment Floral to bring their floral dreams to life. After a traditional and thoughtful ceremony at The Vail Chapel, guests made their way to the base of the mountain for cocktail hour, where they enjoyed live music from Oncue Entertainment and left cheeky messages on the pink After The Tone audio guest book. They picked up their custom champagne flutes as a welcome sip and made their way to the beautiful tent in the heart of the square. The rest of the evening was an EPIC dance party thanks to Soul X, and the party didn’t stop there! Guests made their way to Shakedown Saloon to dance the night away.
Rebecca Haley captured the most stunning mountain photos for this couple, and we love all of the details!
Vendor Credits
Wedding Planner | Calluna Events
Reception Venue | Arrabelle at Vail Square
Ceremony Venue | Vail Interfaith Chapel
After Party Venue | Shakedown Saloon
Photography | Rebecca Haley
Videography | JDJ Creations
Florals | Figment Floral
Rentals + Linens | Colorado Party Rentals
Invitations | Lucky Onion
Guest Book | After The Tone
Entertainment | Soul X
Ceremony Music | OnCue Entertainment
Beauty | Clementine’s Salon
Gown | Reem Acra
Bridal Shop | Annika Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses | Revelry
Tux | Joseph A Banks
